Case Studies

Trelowarren Estate

This project is located on the western side of Helford Passage in Cornwall. The estate sits on a 1000 acre site of agricultural land and woodland. Sources of Materials All materials are locally sourced, with the proprietary timber frame helping to reduce thermal bridging significantly. The cladding comprises green oak which requires no painting, this helps to improve the ease of maintenance associated with the development. During the construction process, buildings that were not converted were demolished and fully recycled in order to reduce waste. A 300kW wood chip burner provides a source of hot water for the site through wood of the forested areas of the site.Waste water is treated on site through a small bio treatment plant making the community more self-sufficient. The use of aerated taps and low flow appliances reduces the level of water use day-to-day. The local community of 25 people were directly employed at the site, reducing the need for travel in the area.

Glencoe visiting Centre

The Glencoe Visitor Centre was opened in 1976 it was an experiment between The National Trust for Scotland and The Countryside Commission for Scotland. It was to provide visitors parking space, toilet facilities and an area for refreshment. Sources of materialsThe timber used in the construction has been sourced from within Scotland from sustainably managed woodlands. For example, Oak and Sycamore floors, Larch for external cladding and laminated Oak for windows and doors. Internally the doors are of Scottish Birch, Elm and Alder with Birch lined ceilings. The windows were designed and built in Dornoch, from Scottish Oak from Newtonmore and to seal them into the wall, sheep’s wool was used – a Norwegian idea.What heat is required is provided by a heating system fuelled by locally sourced woodchips (from forest thinnings). It is CO2 neutral, environmentally friendly and provides all the hot water for the caravan site too. Passive solar energy also contributes to many parts of the clachan. Energy requirements are lower than conventional buildings.All the materials have been vetted for the extent to which they are healthy to the site and to visitors. There is not a single concrete block in the entire site and no PVC.